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Santa Catalina prairie clover
Scientific Name: Dalea pulchra
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Dalea pulchra: Santa Catalina Prairie Clover
Dalea pulchra, commonly known as Santa Catalina Prairie Clover or Indigo Bush, is a captivating perennial shrub or subshrub that adds beauty to its native landscapes. Belonging to the Pea Family (Fabaceae), this plant offers a unique blend of visual appeal and ecological significance.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dalea pulchra
- Common Names: Santa Catalina Prairie Clover, Indigo Bush, Bush Dalea
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Subfamily: Faboideae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Santa Catalina prairie-clover
- Note: The plant is sometimes referred to as Dalea pulchra Gentry, honoring the person who described the species.
Distribution and Habitat
- Dalea pulchra is native to the southwestern United States, specifically found in Arizona.
- It thrives in rocky areas of the Sonoran Desert and has been observed in locations such as the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona, and the Saguaro National Park.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Dalea pulchra is a woody, shrub-like perennial, reaching a size of approximately 12 inches in height and width.
- It typically begins blooming in February in the Tucson area, displaying purple and white, pea-like flowers. Rarely, the flower color is white.
Ecological Role
- Dalea pulchra is noted to attract wildlife.